Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Six months after its release, the Government’s Energy Roadmap is beginning to deliver on its promise of more affordable, reliable and sustainable power across Queensland. The plan aims to put downward pressure on electricity prices while strengthening the state’s energy system through continued investment in coal, gas, renewables and storage. It also focuses on unlocking new supply, including exploring gas potential in the Taroom Trough and progressing key infrastructure projects. Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said the roadmap was already achieving results. “The Roadmap is our plan to deliver new supply in the right places, at the right time, while keeping the lights on and putting downward pressure on prices,” Treasurer Janetzki said. “Power prices in Queensland are set to drop by about 10 per cent next financial year, in contrast with prices soaring under Labor by 19.9 per cent in a single year after the former Government failed to properly maintain power plants.” Since mid-2025, more than a gigawatt of new storage and renewable energy has become operational, with further developments underway. Market interest has also surged, with more than 50 parties engaging in proposals for new gas-fired generation projects. “There’s been overwhelming market interest with more than 50 parties engaged and over 10 gigawatts (GW) of prospective gas-fired generation identified across 17 projects, highlighting Queensland is open for business for new energy investment,” he said. The roadmap also includes initiatives such as the Investor Gateway and North West Energy Fund, designed to attract private investment and support long-term energy security across the state.
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Mackay Base Hospital has become one of three sites across Australia recruiting patients for a clinical trial investigating a potential new drug treatment aimed at improving recovery time following concussion. The clinical trial will assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication designed to treat concussion and potentially support faster recovery for those affected. Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Senior Staff Specialist (Emergency) and Principal Investigator Dr Sunday Sofola-Orukotan said concussion was a very common condition which could happen to anyone, anywhere, but was more frequently associated with contact sports such as football. “It’s very common with sporting activities and the rate of presentations of head injuries increases during the rugby season,” Dr Sofola-Orukotan said. Trial sub-investigator and Mackay HHS senior medical officer (emergency) Dr Olurotimi Akinola said concussion presentations in the ED could also be the result of falls and trips. “We see it very often in elderly patients,” Dr Akinola said. “That’s why a study like this is important because it gives us the opportunity to investigate whether a new treatment may improve a patient’s recovery outcomes.” “Generally, most patients with concussion recovered within a few days, but some experienced persistent symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and concentration and memory issues,” he said. “We see people with post-concussive syndrome who have had ongoing symptoms for months and it's affecting their livelihood and day-to-day activities,” Dr Akinola said. There are currently no approved pharmaceutical treatments for concussion available in Australia with recovery focused on rest and symptom relief. This clinical trial would investigate the safety and efficacy of a new drug in the treatment of mild traumatic brain injury and trial participants would receive either the investigational drug or placebo alongside standard care. During his training in Nigeria, Dr Sofola-Orukotan had been involved in another clinical trial and collected data for a study into reducing bleeding in traumatic brain injuries. “This study is very similar to what I’ve done before so I see it as an opportunity to bring this type of research to the Mackay region to benefit our patients,” he said. Anyone interested in learning more about the clinical trial can contact the Clinical Trials Unit on 4951 7561 or email mackay-clinical-trials@health.qld.gov.au Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) trial sub-investigator and senior medical officer (emergency) Dr Olurotimi Akinola, clinical trials nurse Alta Neethling and senior staff specialist (emergency) and principal investigator Dr Sunday Sofola-Orukotan. Photo supplied
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A caesarean birth can be planned, unexpected, calm, chaotic, welcomed, or deeply emotional. For many women, it is all of those things at once. Yet while there is often plenty of discussion about the birth itself, far less attention is given to what comes next… recovery. April is C-Section Awareness Month, a timely reminder that caesarean birth is not the “easy option,” nor is recovery something women should simply be expected to push through in silence. A caesarean is major abdominal surgery, performed at the same time a woman becomes a mother or welcomes another child into her family. In the days and weeks afterwards, women are often navigating pain, fatigue, sleep deprivation, feeding demands, changing hormones, and the enormous responsibility of caring for a newborn, all while healing from surgery. Many mums are surprised by how vulnerable they feel. Tasks that once seemed simple, like getting out of bed, laughing, coughing, lifting the baby capsule, or walking through the supermarket, can suddenly feel challenging. Yet because caring for a baby doesn’t pause for recovery, many women push on long before their body feels ready. What often goes unspoken is that healing continues well beyond the first six weeks. While the skin may appear healed relatively quickly, deeper layers of tissue continue to recover for months. The abdominal wall, scar tissue, core muscles, breathing patterns, posture, and pelvic floor can all be affected. Some women notice numbness around the scar, tightness, pulling sensations, back pain, weakness, bladder symptoms, or discomfort when returning to exercise. Others simply feel disconnected from their body, particularly their scar, and unsure where to begin. Scar care is another area many women are never taught about. Once the wound is fully healed and your medical team has cleared you, gentle scar massage can help improve mobility, reduce sensitivity, soften tightness, and support comfort as the tissues recover. Silicone therapy is also widely regarded as a gold-standard treatment for scar management, helping optimise scar healing and appearance. Early guidance can make a significant difference, particularly if the scar feels raised, tethered, numb, sensitive, or uncomfortable. These experiences are common, but they are not something women need to “just put up with.” One of the biggest myths around caesarean recovery is that if the baby is healthy and the scar looks fine, everything must be okay. But recovery is about far more than appearance. It is about how a woman feels in her body, how she moves, how she functions, and how confidently she returns to daily life. This is where support can make a meaningful difference. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help women recover strength, confidence, and comfort after a caesarean birth. That may include gentle core rehabilitation, scar mobility work, breathing retraining, guidance for safe return to exercise, lifting strategies, and addressing pelvic floor symptoms such as leaking, heaviness, or pain. Just as importantly, it can provide reassurance. Many women feel relief simply hearing that what they are experiencing is valid, understandable, and treatable. As a women’s health physiotherapist, I often meet mothers months or even years after their caesarean who say, “I thought this was just how it would be now.” But it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve had a caesarean birth, recently or years ago, and something still doesn’t feel quite right, a check-in with a qualified health professional can be a helpful next step. Your body has been through something significant, and it deserves care. This C-Section Awareness Month, let’s broaden the conversation. A caesarean birth is still birth. Recovery still matters. And mothers deserve more than being told to bounce back. Because healing well isn’t a luxury after birth — it should be the expectation. Text Box 2, Textbox Women's Health Physio Mackay admin@whphysiomackay.com.au 0476 616 324
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A duck walks into a newsagency, approaches the counter and asks the newsagent: “Do you have any corn?” The newsagent says: No, we don’t have corn. There’s a grain store a few doors up the street and they sell corn.” The duck says “okay, thanks” and waddles out. The next day the duck walks into the newsagency, approaches the counter and asks the newsagent: “Do you have any corn?” The newsagent says: “No, as I said yesterday, we don’t sell corn but the grain shop up the road sells it.” The ducks says “okay, thanks” and leaves the shop. The next day the duck waddles into the newsagency and approaches the newsagent and says: “Do you have any corn?” The newsagent is now sick of it. Exasperated, he says: “Look, mate we don’t sell corn! We are a newsagency! We sell cards and newspapers and lotto tickets. We don’t bloody well sell corn! If you want corn, you go to the grain store up the street and get your corn there.” The next day the duck walks into the newsagency. The newsagent sees him and thinks to himself, “right, if this friggin’ duck asks for corn again, I am gonna go off”. The duck waddles up to him and says: “Have you got any corn?” The newsagent is furious and has had enough. Now he’s shouting: “LISTEN MATE. WE DON’T SELL CORN! I’M SICK OF THIS. IF YOU COME INTO MY SHOP AGAIN AND ASK FOR CORN I AM GONNA GRAB YOUR HEAD AND NAIL YOUR STUPID DUCK BILL TO THIS COUNTER! The ducks says, “okay, thanks” and leaves. The next day the duck walks into the newsagency, goes up to the counter and says to the newsagent: “Have you got any nails?” The newsagent shouts in frustration: “No I don’t have any nails!!” The duck says: “Okay, do you have any corn?” Now that is one very annoying duck. In life, I try not to be as annoying as that duck. But there are some annoying things I do that I can’t eradicate. One of them is consistently turning up to photo shoots for a property I am listing. I use the same photographer for every listing and she is very good and knows what is required. Yet I turn up. Not on a two-bedroom unit I do for most houses because, even though I know the photographer is very good, I still need to tell her about the importance of certain features. I need to stress how important the shed is, how vital it is that we show how wide the side access is for buyers needing access for a boat or a caravan. Even if there isn’t a shed, I have to say something. “Listen I know there’s no shed but there is really good side access and look at all the space in the yard to put a shed. If you take a photo from over in that corner of the yard I reckon people will be able to see the side access and also the space that’s available for the shed in one picture.” It must be very annoying for a highly professional photographer who has done it thousands of times. It’s the same inside the house. I say things like: “If you take a photo from this angle in the family room, people will be able to see the lounge, dining and part of the kitchen and get a feel for the space.” Annoying. I know most agents consider attending the photo shoots a waste of time and maybe they’re right. For me, we only get one chance at a first impression and that’s the photos so let’s make sure they’re right. Even though the poor photographer has to turn up to a property and see that stupid duck waiting.
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Perfectly positioned near Mackay’s hospital and airport, Tropic Coast Motel offers a welcoming and comfortable retreat for travellers. With a variety of room options—Standard Queen, Executive Queen, Deluxe Twin, and Triple or Quad Family rooms—there’s an option to suit every need.
All rooms are conveniently located on the ground level, featuring large undercover parking and outdoor seating for guests to relax. Additional amenities include a guest laundry, ample parking for trucks and trailers, a playground, a swimming pool, and a covered BBQ terrace—ideal for enjoying Mackay’s tropical lifestyle.
Tropic Coast Motel also offers the added convenience of after-hours check-in, making it an excellent choice for late arrivals. Guests who book directly through the website can enjoy exclusive savings at www.tropiccoastmotel.com.au.
Adding to its charm, Tropic Coast Motel hosts free monthly Sunday Sessions in the restaurant and BBQ terrace area—a perfect family-friendly gathering to unwind and enjoy good company from 3pm – 6pm. Children are welcome and there is a safe playground with a small pool and lawn games for added fun. The bar will be open for refreshments and nibblies while you listen to the sweet sounds of talented local musicians. For more information and to book, visit www.sundaysessionsattropiccoastmotel.com.au. For those travelling from out of town, there’s a special $5-off button to book your accommodation through the Sunday Sessions link.
Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, Tropic Coast Motel promises comfort, convenience, and a warm welcome.
www.tropiccoastmotel.com.au
reservations@tropiccoastmotel.com.au
158 Nebo Road, Mackay
07 4951 1888
Headspace Mackay has officially relocated to Caneland Central, on the second level, Tenancy 2514 - opposite Snap Fitness - making mental health support even more accessible for local youth. The grand opening on November 14 featured tours, guest speakers, snacks and a very welcoming atmosphere for all.
The new space, funded by the North Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), is designed to provide a more inclusive and accessible environment for young people aged 12-25. Headspace offers free services, including counselling, work and study support, as well as social groups. With referrals doubling since the move, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
"Being at Caneland Central means we’re closer to where young people gather, with great public transport and easy parking for families,” said Administration Coordinator Jonathan Greenhalgh.
“Parents love the convenience, and young people find the space cozy and welcoming,” he added.
For more information or to self-refer, visit headspace Mackay’s new location or explore their online resources at www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/mackay/
Photo source: Headspace Mackay (Facebook)
Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread human rights violations, affecting millions worldwide. It knows no cultural or national boundaries, occurring in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. From psychological and physical abuse to practices like human trafficking and child marriage - the impact is devastating - and to conquer this widespread issue we, as a community, must unite and take a stand against said acts.
The Zonta Club of Mackay’s 16 Days of Activism campaign is already underway, having launched on 25 November (United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and will run until 10 December (United Nations Human Rights Day). This campaign provides an opportunity for the Mackay community to take a stand against gender-based violence and continue raising awareness throughout the remaining days.
Statistics reveal that 1 in 3 women globally experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
“This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for action and awareness,” said Zonta Club President Fiona Koutlis.
“The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is a call to action for everyone, including men and boys to stand together in creating a world where respect, equality and safety are universal values.”
Signature orange ladies have been placed in prominent locations across the region, each featuring vital information about emergency contacts and Zonta services.
The message is further amplified through market stalls, art installations, social media campaigns, and displays in libraries, hospitals, and shopping centres.
“Each day, we’re sharing important information, stories, and ways the community can get involved.”
Zonta International’s advocacy efforts, including the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, aim to challenge laws, attitudes, and behaviours that perpetuate gender-based violence.
As Mackay joins this global movement, the Zonta Club invites the community to break the silence, support survivors, and help create a future free from violence.
Each year, Zonta Mackay joins the 16 Days of Activism movement around the globe, by placing orange ladies in prominent places around town to raise awareness, and prevent violence against women and girls
The Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group is transforming how men view a prostate cancer diagnosis, turning fear and isolation into hope and connection.
Meeting every second Thursday of the month at the South Suburban Bowls Club, the group provides a safe, uplifting environment where men can navigate the challenges of prostate cancer together.
Chris Bartlem who has been involved with the group for 18 years after overcoming the disease himself, is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding prostate cancer.
“A diagnosis is not a death sentence... it’s far from it,” Chris insists, determined to inspire others to seek support.
“We’re here to help people in the community who’ve had their lives shaken by devastating news.
“It can impact their work, sports, family interactions, and even marriages,” he explains.
“Most get through it without issues and come out the other side in good condition, but you always have to keep your eye on the ball… it can sneak up again.”
Thanks to advances in early detection and regular testing, survival rates for prostate cancer have soared to 95 per cent after five years. The group passionately advocates for annual PSA testing from age 50 - or earlier for those with a family history - highlighting that prostate cancer often shows no symptoms.
“Proactive health checks are crucial,” Chris cautions.
Beyond providing medical guidance, the group is a place where friendships flourish.
“We’ve seen connections built here that have lasted decades,” Chris shares.
Barbecues, fundraisers, and awareness events further strengthen these bonds, creating a network of support outside of the monthly meetings.
“When someone is newly diagnosed, they’re often gutted.
“But we get them talking to others who’ve been through it, and they usually walk out with a smile on their faces.
“That’s why we do it,” Chris says.
Partners, often the silent pillars of strength, are also encouraged to attend, recognising the essential emotional support they provide. The group welcomes everyone with open arms, offering a reminder that no one has to face the journey of prostate cancer alone.
The Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group offers a lifeline to those affected by prostate cancer, replacing fear with hope, breaking the stigma and fostering lasting connections through shared experiences and support
Teeing off for a worthy cause, last Sunday the Proserpine Golf Club hosted its annual Breast and Prostate Cancer Charity Event.
Participants turned out in vibrant pink and blue attire to show their support, enjoying a fun-filled day of golf with friends, family, and colleagues. The scenic Proserpine Golf Club provided the perfect backdrop for the event, which was expertly organised by the dedicated Noelene Spurway. The aim was to raise vital funds to combat two of the most prevalent cancers affecting millions of men and women worldwide.
Following a morning of friendly competition, participants came together for a sizzling BBQ and drinks, celebrating the event's success and the generosity of those involved. It was a day of camaraderie, community spirit, and fundraising for a cause that touches so many lives.
Proserpine Golf Club Event Attendees dressing to impress
Over the weekend, Proserpine Golf Club hosted a successful charity event to support the fight against breast and prostate cancer. The day was filled with great golf, fun activities, and a delicious BBQ, all while raising vital funds for cancer research and awareness. The event aimed to make a meaningful impact in the battle against two of the most prevalent cancers affecting millions of men and women worldwide
Earlier this week Crown Princess made its inaugural call to the Port of Airlie, marking a significant milestone for both Cruise Whitsundays and the Port of Airlie Terminal.
The ship received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Cruise Whitsundays team, with even the beloved Cruise Whitsundays mascot, Cruiser the Turtle, making a special appearance to greet both crew members and guests as they arrived at the port.
Ren Van Rooyen, Hotel General Manager aboard the Crown Princess, shared his excitement about the ship’s new destination:
“We have been met with an incredibly warm welcome from the Whitsundays community, and we are delighted to continue visiting this stunning region. Sharing its beauty with our guests is truly special, and we look forward to many more visits to this remarkable destination.”
Cruise Whitsundays Sales and Marketing Manager, Liza Muller, also added how this is a momentous occasion especially for the tourism industry:
“Cruise ships play a vital role in driving economic growth in the Whitsunday region, contributing an estimated $30 million to $40 million annually to the local economy. This marks a significant recovery and growth post-pandemic, with benefits felt across the region's entire tourism and hospitality sector.
“The Whitsundays is renowned as a warm and inviting region, and it’s essential that new cruise ships and their guests experience that same hospitality. We’re hopeful that this positive trend in visitation will continue to flourish in the coming years.”
The growing presence of ships like the Crown Princess in the Port of Airlie is a key factor in making the Whitsundays more accessible to tourists. As the region relies heavily on tourism, welcoming more ships into the port opens the door to increased visitation, bringing economic benefits and enhancing the area's appeal to travelers from around the world.
The Crown Princess team alongside Cruise Whitsundays staff as they arrive at the Port of Airlie. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot.
The Crown Princess Cruise Ship which arrived into Port of Airlie. Photo supplied.
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Hi Everyone!
It’s been a busy week here at the office! As many of you know, we officially launched our brand-new Hinchinbrook paper on Tuesday. I'd like to start by giving a huge congratulations to the Hinchinbrook Life team for their fantastic efforts in bringing this paper to life.
In other news, I've been busy doing a lot of dog-sitting lately, and one of the wonderful dogs I've been looking after this week is Finn, one of our office dogs.
Which leads me to an exciting new addition to Whitsunday Life—Find Finn! Each month, Finn will be hiding somewhere within the pages, and it's up to you to track him down. You can find all the details on how to play on page 26.
On the topic of dogs, Ruby, our Production Representative, has recently got a new puppy called Koa. Koa is a mix of Border Collie and Kelpie, and he’s now joining Finn in office dog responsibilities. The whole team is very happy to have him around...well, almost everyone. Finn, however, has had to come to terms with a new concept: sharing.
Additionally, Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Breast and Prostate Cancer Charity Event at the Proserpine Golf Club. It was truly uplifting to see so many people come together, dressed up, in support of such a vital cause.
As November comes to a close, I'm excited for the upcoming Christmas season, which I'll be celebrating with my wonderful housemates. That said, I can't help but miss my family and friends back in the UK.
Ruth
“We're all traveling through time together, every day of our lives. All we can do is do our best to relish this remarkable ride.” Richard Curtis, About Time (one of my favourite movies).
Who doesn’t adore a nice little street library? If you haven’t heard of this heartwarming community concept, street libraries stand as beautiful homes for books, to invite neighbours and members of the community to share the joys of reading with one another! A popular phenomenon during COVID-19 isolation periods, street libraries began popping up around local streets and parks to keep people connected and reading - a wonderful habit with a world of benefits. Locals are able to leave a book they may no longer need in the library for others to take, and pick up a new one to love. Many often return books they have found from one library to another, creating a perfect cycle of new reading material for others to read.
Street libraries can be found outside businesses, along footpaths and in people’s front yards, and recently, one sprouted outside the Proserpine Massage Clinic inside the Dieke Arcade! A fantastic community initiative started by Shelley Macpherson, locals are invited to pop down, have a browse and donate any unwanted novels to the quaint little set up for others to enjoy.
You too can become a street librarian by visiting Street Library Australia’s website, https://streetlibrary.org.au. Learn more about this initiative and purchase a ‘build it yourself kit’ or even ‘ready-made sheds’ to plant in your front garden!
On Monday, November 25, Mayor Ry Collins, joined by several WRC Councillors, officially launched the Zonta Club Book Collection at Bowen Library. The unveiling took place before an enthusiastic crowd of community members, marking the addition of this valuable resource to the library.
Mayor Collins was excited to launch the Zonta Collection. He praised the efforts of Zonta members for their contribution to the community.
The Zonta Club of Bowen has generously donated a diverse and thoughtfully curated collection of fiction and non-fiction books, catering to a wide range of interests and experiences.
The Zonta Club of Bowen Collection of books was donated by Zonta club members and through a Whitsunday Regional Council Grant.
Hortense Ingram, the Zonta-Library Project Coordinator liaised with Tania to select the books, which reflect the Zonta theme of building a better world for women and girls. The Collection aims to fill the needs of the Bowen community and appeal to a broad audience, including men and teenagers.
Hortense shared that the Zonta Collection highlights Australian award-winning authors, cultural themes, historical fiction, memoirs of inspiring women, survivor stories, health, wellbeing, relationships, self-help, leadership, and young adult topics.
The launch coincides with the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. In support, the Zonta Club of Bowen released an updated "Safety Tips for Women and Girls" brochure to empower and protect women in the community.
Example of some of the books in the collection. Photo supplied.
In recent years, residents of Tropic Road in Cannonvale have raised concerns about plans to develop a large storage facility at the location.
One vocal opponent of the proposal is Robin Weaver, who lives adjacent to the proposed site. Robin has been actively involved in the campaign against the development, working closely with the Whitsunday Regional Council to argue against the project. His primary concern was the impact that the 550-unit storage facility would have on a block of land that is zoned for residential use.
The five-acre site, which was previously designated for medium- to low-density housing, was sold three years ago but has remained on the market ever since.
Robin has been a key figure in this effort, receiving strong support from Councillor Clay Bauman, who has also spoken out against the project. In a recent phone call, Robin was told the good news that the planning court had decided to reject the application for rezoning the land, marking a major victory for those opposed to the facility.
“They have basically won the case,” Weaver said, expressing his gratitude to the council for their steadfast support throughout the legal process.
“I take my hat off to council for fighting this issue,” he added.
This decision comes at a time when the Whitsunday Regional Council is facing increasingly difficult decisions about balancing the needs of the rapidly growing Greater Airlie Beach area with the concerns of long-standing residents.
The Tropic Road storage facility was one such issue, with the council ultimately siding with the community’s preference to maintain residential zoning in the area.
Meanwhile, Council has approved a development application for a local developer to build a storage facility at Carlo Drive, a location that is considered by many to be a more suitable site for such a project. The Carlo Drive location is seen as a better fit for the community, addressing storage needs without disrupting the residential character of the area.
Robin Weaver’s interpretation of what the facility would have looked like. Photo supplied.
You may have noticed some fascinating new structures emerging over Maureen Cove. Five larval pools have been deployed here until Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, as part of a collaborative reef restoration project led by Red Cat Adventures, Ocean Rafting, ZigZag, Reef Catchments, AIMS, and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
Each year, following the full moon in November or December (timing depends on the full moon, water temperature, and tides), the outer Great Barrier Reef comes alive with a spectacular event. Coral species engage in synchronized spawning, releasing bundles of coral eggs and sperm into the water—a phenomenon often described as a reverse "snow storm." This natural occurrence plays a crucial role in coral reproduction, supporting the ongoing health and survival of the reef.
In contrast, the inner reefs surrounding the islands and mainland typically experience their spawning events after the October full moon.
Coral IVF and this approach to reef restoration has been promising. Coral spawn is collected, incubated in floating larval pools for 5-7 days and then deployed onto target reefs.
Studies indicate that this improves the chance of coral spawn surviving to adulthood from approximately 1 in 1 million to 1 in 10,000.
It is important to take care of our fantastic reef in the Whitsundays, and coral restoration is one step forward to achieving that.
Coral Spawning Larval pools in Maureen Cove.
November 17th marked the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a day to honour those lost in road accidents and reflect on the far-reaching impact of road trauma. In the Whitsundays, the recent tragic deaths of three locals in October has prompted a call for greater road safety awareness.
Rebecca Woods, a local advocate for road safety, is urging residents to ask themselves: “What are you doing for road safety?”
A recent survey in the region revealed that 94% of respondents believe road safety has worsened over the past year. Distracted driving and speeding were identified as key factors contributing to accidents, alongside poor road conditions.
Woods emphasises that while road infrastructure is a concern, driver behavior—particularly distractions and speeding - also plays a critical role in safety.
“I want drivers to reflect on their choices - are you speeding or distracted? Are you doing your part to make our roads safer?” Woods said.
Woods has launched a survey to gather local feedback, aiming for 500 responses to better understand the community’s concerns.
The survey is available via the link:
Together, the community can make the Whitsundays safer by prioritising road safety.
Road Safety Survey
The recent bogging of an excavator in Shute Harbour has raised questions for local environmental group Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) who are concerned any new development would cause damage to the environment and create safety issues for mariners.
“First proposed back in the mid 1980’s, the long history of this location’s unsuitability to support a marina has become more obvious as the years pass by,” says WCC President Tony Fontes.
“This entire bay in its natural state plays a critical ecological function that supports tourism, fisheries and recreation for the region.
“Shute Harbour and its mangroves are critical fisheries habitat. And that the seagrass beds, still recovering from recent cyclones, are important feeding areas for endangered dugongs and turtles”.
Community group Save our Foreshore Inc (SOF) has also had long running concerns about this proposal.
SOF President Suzette Pelt, a long-term tourism operator, says “SOF lodged a massive public response opposed to the application which is not so much about a marina but more a real estate play hiding behind a marina.
“If it’s about a place to park a boat, we believe Bowen’s already approved marina is a safer, better place to develop a marina”.
SOF says the complete loss of public foreshores and access to waterways for people who have historically used the area for fishing, boating, businesses and general enjoyment of views to the islands and surrounding Conway National Park, is unacceptable.
“We are not even sure that the inner island resorts have thought about the high likelihood of increased murky water quality on their already declining fringing coral reefs. We know from diving operators that during other local coastal constructions, water quality declined significantly, impacting their operations”.
“The fact that Humpback whales and calves rest in the channel entrance to Shute and their importance both to the environment and tourism was not specifically raised in regard to increased boat traffic and boat strike and anyone who has been around Whitsunday waters and Shute knows they’re there.
“These are serious issues”, Tony Fontes adds. More recently, community groups monitoring Council’s decision making, were alarmed by the lack of due diligence towards community risks with respect to Council’s role in this proposal.
“Instead of taking the recommendations by the 2 local councillors with respect to road safety and infrastructure risks – like those occurring following the Hinchinbrook marina disaster - 5 Whitsunday Regional Councillors voted down the pragmatic recommendation that Council invite the marina developers to update on the development’s status and changes mentioned in their application, before approving another extension to infrastructure requirements.” Suzette Pelt adds.
“After the multi-million-dollar over-run in costs associated with the re-development of the Council’s Shute Harbour jetty the engineer’s report stated, “this was one of the most difficult projects due to the depth of the Shute harbour muds.”
“It would seem prudent that council take every precaution to protect ratepayers from the enormous costs involved when a project, such as proposed, fails either from weather or economic conditions.”
Meanwhile, Whitsunday Regional Council’s Director Regional Strategy and Planning Neil McGaffin said as part of the development approval process all environmental matters, on land and on water, were researched, investigated, assessed, and approved by both the Federal and State governments.
“There were no changes to the existing approval that Council voted to extend. The decision was a procedural decision to grant an additional two years to undertake the works,” he said.
Previous dredging works that took place at Shute Harbour. Photo supplied
This month’s article showcases our diverse businesses community in partnership with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This month we meet Ellen and daughter Bek Kerr of One Agency Team Kerr.
In January 2025, Ellen and Bek will celebrate 2 years in business, having established their small boutique real estate agency specialising in residential sales in January 2023.
Having worked in real estate in the region for the last 18 years, ‘Team Kerr’ looked for an opportunity to bring a personal touch, a professional caring service to both their sellers and buyers. They believed that having their own business provided the chance to change the rules in providing good old fashioned personal service.
Additionally, Team Kerr offers two exciting points of difference. Firstly a $500 referral fee to their clients, and a free marketing package for their sellers which means no upfront costs.
Ellen offers the following advice to other business owners:
1. Choose a profession that you are in love with.
2. Treat your staff well, they are your biggest asset!
3. Support your local community.
As an active Chamber member, Ellen believes networking is key to being an integral part of any community. Attending Chamber events and keeping up to date with what is going on in town is critical for a real estate agent who liaises with many clients both locally and interstate.
Bek and Ellen Kerr of One Agency Team Kerr. Photo credit: R Jean Photography, Core Life Magazine
Whitsunday Regional Council is rolling out a collaborative Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection Program this wet season (November - April 2025) to protect our waterways, marine ecosystems, and stormwater network. Sediment on roads can be hazardous and clog stormwater pipes, increasing flood impacts. By working with builders and developers, we’re ensuring best practices to reduce sediment loss, keep roads safer and safeguard our reef environments. Learn more about erosion and sediment control at https://bit.ly/Whitsundaywaterways.
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